Nevada Well Driller Compliance Reference

Forms & Resources

All NDWR Forms

• Notice of Intent (NOI): Pre-drilling notification (NAC 534.320)
• Well Driller\'s Report: Post-completion log (NAC 534.340)
• Plugging Report: Same form as Well Driller\'s Report (mark "plugged")
• Monitoring Well Waiver: For monitoring/observation wells (NAC 534.441)
• License Application: Initial driller license ($100 fee)
• License Renewal: Annual renewal ($50 fee, due June 15)

Licensing Requirements

Nevada requires NDWR-licensed drillers for all well work per NRS 534. Contractors must also hold a State Contractors' Board C-23 license(drilling wells and installing pumps).

Driller License Requirements

License Fees

Continuing Education (CE)

Exam Information

After NDWR approves your application, you'll be scheduled for the 2-part exam. Part 1 is a written test covering NAC 534, construction standards, and safety. Part 2 is an oral interview by the Well Drillers' Advisory Board. Study the Nevada well drilling code (NAC 534) thoroughly.

Reporting & Documentation

Well Driller\'s Report Requirements

Per NAC 534.340, the report must include:

• Work log with lithology (formation descriptions)
• Water-bearing zones encountered
• Casing sizes, materials, depths, and installation dates
• Grouting/sealing information and methods
• Static water level measurement
• Pumping test data (flow rate in GPM, test duration ≤72 hrs per NAC 534.340(4))
• GPS coordinates or legal location (PLSS)
• Signature of licensed driller or qualifying contractor

Pumping Test Limits

Per NAC 534.340(4), pumping tests on new wells are limited to 72 hours maximum. Longer tests require special approval. Record flow rate (GPM), static level, and drawdown data.

Construction Standards (NAC 534)

Casing Requirements (NAC 534.360)

Grouting/Sealing Requirements

• Use cement or bentonite grout to seal annular space
• Confine grout by plugs or packers; apply pressure (NAC 534.380(1))
• Install seals to prevent surface water or shallow groundwater intrusion
• If bottom of borehole lacks water, place neat cement/grout from bottom up to casing (NAC 534.360(2))
• Surface completion: sanitary seal required

Setback Requirements

Disinfection

After completion, wells must be safely disinfected (chlorination per AWWA L02 guidelines) to eliminate bacteria before sampling/use. Mix chlorine to ~50–100 mg/L, agitate, then purge until chlorine residual is <10 mg/L. Standard practice, though no specific NAC requirement for procedures.

Permits

Notice of Intent (Required for All Wells)

Per NAC 534.320, you must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to the State Engineer and obtain approval before moving the rig on-site. Submit ≥3 working days before drilling starts. Digital submission via WDMS is preferred.

Note: If work does not start within 60 days, the notice lapses and must be resubmitted with fee (NAC 534.320(1)).

Water Right Permits

Domestic wells (<2 acre-ft/yr): No water-right permit required unless in a designated basin (NRS 534.180).

High-capacity wells (>2 acre-ft/yr or ~900 gpd): Water appropriation permit required under NRS Chapter 533. In closed basins or active groundwater basins, obtain permit before drilling (NRS 534.050). In undesignated basins, permit needed before any pumping (apply promptly after completion) (NRS 534.050(3)).

Special Permits

• Monitoring Wells: Require a Monitoring Well Waiver from State Engineer (NAC 534.441). Application must include site maps/GPS, purpose, design sketch, plugging affidavit, and fee per NRS 533.435.
• Geothermal Wells: Regulated under NAC 534A (Geothermal Resources). Separate geothermal well permit and license required (NAC 534A.185–196). Contact NDWR or NV Division of Minerals for geothermal rules.
• Exploration/Temporary Waivers: Available for oil/minerals exploration or temporary construction uses (NAC 534.442–446). Wells drilled under waiver must be plugged per NAC standards.

County/Local Permits

Washoe County: Well construction permits issued by Northern Nevada Public Health (775-328-2434). Required before drilling.

Clark County (Las Vegas): Well permit required by Southern Nevada Health District (702-759-1000) before drilling, deepening, or abandoning wells.

Other counties: Check with local planning or health departments for building/well permits.

Drilling Conditions by Region

Regional Challenges

Seasonal Factors

• Spring snowmelt: Elevates shallow groundwater; can flood dry washes. Avoid drilling in active washes without dewatering.
• Water table fluctuations: Seasonal recharge (spring) raises groundwater. Wells drilled in winter may show deeper static levels.
• Ground freezing: Minimal frost depth (<2 ft) in most of NV. High-elevation sites may have deeper frost – protect surface casing/seals.

Special Requirement Zones: Arsenic

While no state law mandates deeper casing specifically for arsenic, in known high-arsenic areas consider: (1) extra casing depth (grout to 50+ ft), (2) mandatory water testing for new domestic wells, (3) advising homeowners about RO treatment if arsenic >10 µg/L detected.

Resources & Contacts

Regulatory References

• NAC 534 – Underground Water and Wells (construction standards, licensing)
• NRS 534 – Underground Water and Wells (statutes, permits)
• NAC 534.320 – Notice of Intent requirements
• NAC 534.340 – Well Driller\'s Report requirements
• NAC 534.360 – Casing and construction standards
• NAC 445A.965 – Septic setbacks from wells

Online Systems

• Well Driller Management System (WDMS) – License applications, renewals, NOI filing, well reports
• NDWR Well Drilling Program – Licensing info, CE courses, forms

Frequently Asked Questions